Gardening & Landscaping – Buying & Savings Tips | Consumer Advice | Local Businesses | DexKnowshttp://local.dexknows.com
Tips for Smart Local ConsumersTue, 01 Oct 2013 17:12:51 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4Outdoor Lighting Tips for Your Home and Gardenhttp://local.dexknows.com/outdoor-lighting-tips-for-your-home-and-garden/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=outdoor-lighting-tips-for-your-home-and-garden
Fri, 02 Nov 2012 18:17:03 +0000http://local.dexknows.com/?p=2192In addition to showcasing your home in its best possible light, outdoor lighting extends the time you can spend on the patio or enjoy your landscape. Consider these tips for effective outdoor lighting for your home and garden that are sure to catch the eye.

Light up the pathways

Make navigating the outside easy and safe by lighting up well-traveled paths such as driveways, walkways, sidewalks and stairs. Such pathway lighting usually consists of low-voltage or solar fixtures that are low to the ground and cast light over the pathway. When placing these lights, put them a short distance away from the pathways when possible because this protects them from damage caused by cleaning equipment and foot traffic.

Step-lighting generally consists of recessed fixtures that can be installed in the stairs themselves. Place such lights at the foot and top of the stairs, and space the rest out at even intervals.

Enhance safety

Proper lighting is an excellent home security and safety feature. Light up the front and sides of your house. Motion sensor lighting is especially helpful for key outdoor areas such as the path from the garage to the front door.

Use spotlights sparingly

Spotlights do a good job of illuminating a well-used area such as a patio, but avoid placing too many throughout the property because they create a lot of glare. Make sure those spotlights you do use don’t shine into your or your neighbors’ windows or directly into the eyes. Some spotlights can be purchased that feature longer shrouds and filters that direct the light where you want it to go, as well as minimize light spill-over into other areas of the yard.

Add drama

Use lighting to add pizzazz to your outdoors. Light up your favorite tree to create a majestic shadow on a nearby white wall, string lights around the deck railing or cast filtered light onto white flowers and silver foliage, which will respond by glowing.

Install underwater lighting

If you have a water feature such as a pond or large fountain, submerge eye-catching underwater lights, which come in a variety of colors. Such lights illuminate water inhabitants such as fish and give the water a sparkling, magical quality.

Bring indoor lighting outside

Manufacturers make a variety of outdoor lighting fixtures commonly found indoors, such as chandeliers and ceiling fans, which are ideal for making outdoor living space areas comfortable and appealing.

Use these outdoor lighting tips for illuminating your home and garden, and you can create an outdoor haven where everyone is sure to gather.

Growing fresh, tasty edibles indoors during winter gives you garden-fresh produce and an enjoyable hobby. Keep these growing guidelines in mind to harvest your own fruits and vegetables in the house this winter, and be sure to ask your local nursery for additional tips.

Lighting

Proper lighting is critical to plant growth. While a sunny window may work for edibles that don’t fruit or flower, such as lettuce, most indoor-grown produce requires supplemental lighting. Full-spectrum (T5) light bulbs simulate sunlight. They can be installed in lamps or recessed light fixtures and used in place of regular fluorescent bulbs.

For maximum growth and fruiting, place the plants close to the lights — preferably within 6 to 12 inches of the top of the plants. Adjust the lighting upward as the plants grow.

Location

Choose a cool area of your home that has good air circulation, such as an unheated sunroom or near windows. A basement also works, as long as the artificial lighting is excellent. Avoid warm areas, such as near heating ducts, for growing edibles in the house during winter.

Plant selection

To have the best harvest possible, seek out small-leaved varieties of plants that feature edible foliage, such as lettuce, spinach and basil. In vegetables and fruits, grow dwarf and mini versions, like baby carrots, cherry tomatoes and kumquats. Also choose self-pollinating varieties, which usually means hybrid plants.

Seed your own plants

Depending on the time of year you set up your indoor garden, you may not be able to find plants in the nursery. If this happens, you’ll have to seed your own plants. Use a moist seed-starting mix and bury seeds according to their size. Very small seeds, like carrots, should be barely covered with soil, while large seeds like beans can be submerged as deeply as they are wide.

While the seeds germinate, keep the soil moist but not soggy. When the seedlings emerge, wait until they have two sets of true leaves before transplanting them into a larger container. Root vegetables like carrots and radishes should not be uprooted and transplanted. Allow them to grow in the container where they were seeded.

Watch the watering

Water plants when the top half-inch to inch of soil has dried. Underwatering your plants will result in limited production or none at all. Also, avoid overwatering plants, as overly moist conditions lead to root rot and plant death. Never let your plants sit in drainage trays filled with water.

Fertilize regularly

Ensure prolific crops of edibles in the house in winter by feeding indoor fruit and vegetable plants every three to four weeks with a water-soluble, organic food designed for fruits or vegetables. Avoid fertilizers that contain urea, as this strong form of nitrogen can build up in the soil creating toxic conditions for your plants.

Repot when necessary

If your vegetable plants outgrow their pots, it’s important to move them to the next pot size as soon as possible, as plants with inadequate growing room may stop producing and die. Indications that a plant requires repotting occur when the plant appears to be top-heavy and too large for the pot, when water drains through quickly and if you see roots coming out of the drainage holes.

Stay ahead of pests

Indoor gardens may experience scale or mealybugs. Because your intention is to eat your produce, use non-toxic treatment methods for these pests, beginning with rinsing them off with water. If the pests persist, try spraying with insecticidal soap or isopropyl alcohol.

Just because temperatures dip outside doesn’t mean you have to stop gardening, especially now that you know how to grow edibles in the house during winter.

]]>How to Extend the Growing Season in Colder Climateshttp://local.dexknows.com/how-do-i-extend-the-growing-season-in-colder-climates/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-do-i-extend-the-growing-season-in-colder-climates
Wed, 19 Sep 2012 16:07:35 +0000http://local.dexknows.com/?p=1205The shortening, cooler days don’t have to spell the end to your vegetable garden. Try the following horticultural tricks to extend the growing season in colder climates.

Plant in summer

While the days are still warm, plant crops that do well in the fall months and can take some frost, such as lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and root crops such as carrots and beets. Plants will grow quickly in the summer heat and set down roots, which makes the crops strong and ready to produce when the weather cools. This tactic is also important because it enables you to get plants to a large size before the daylight shortens and growth slows.

Carefully choose the planting area

Where you plant has a definite bearing on how long your vegetables continue to produce. Extend the growing season by planting in a raised area with excellent drainage. Cold settles in low-lying areas and poor drainage will lead to root rot, especially when temperatures dip.

Mulch

Protecting the soil surrounding the plants with a 2- to 4-inch-thick layer of mulch traps in heat, keeping the plant roots warmer than if you were to leave the soil exposed. Use shredded bark or straw and apply the mulch around the base of the plant at least 6 to 8 inches out. Replace the mulch if it washes away during rainy weather.

Protect your crops

A variety of methods exist for protecting your vegetable crops from the cold and extending the growing season. Try one or more of the following protection devices:

Hoop house: Hoop houses consist of a row of metal hoops that are covered with plastic that is secured to the hoops. Such structures are miniature greenhouses that protect the plants from rain and wind. They also keep the temperature inside elevated enough to extend the harvest into winter.

Cold frame: If you’re really serious about extending your vegetable-growing season well into cold weather, a cold frame is an excellent season extender. This type of sturdy structure can be composed of wood, brick, cinder block or cement and is essentially a box with a window on the top that lets in sunlight but keeps out the cold.

Greenhouse: The best way to extend the growing season through the cold months is to grow your vegetables in a greenhouse. Such a structure provides crops with even temperatures and bright light.

]]>How to Create Curbside Appeal When Selling Your Homehttp://local.dexknows.com/how-to-create-curbside-appeal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-create-curbside-appeal
Mon, 10 Sep 2012 13:23:17 +0000http://local.dexknows.com/?p=1054When it comes to your real estate agent selling your home, first impressions matter. Considering that the front of your house is the first thing potential buyers see, it’s important that you learn how to create curbside appeal.

Take a hard look at your front door

Visitors to your home have their eyes trained on the front door as they approach your house. A well-maintained, attractive front door goes a long way toward welcoming them in and giving a positive impression. If your front door is faded, consider repainting or restaining it, or invest in a new door. Also remember the door handle and lock, which you want to be in good working condition.

Landscape

Bare flower beds and a crunchy brown lawn give your home an unattractive, abandoned look that decreases curbside appeal. Plant sod and landscape the flower beds. To give your flower beds a professional landscaped look, plant large shrubs toward the back of the beds, mid-sized shrubs in the middle and small flowering annuals at the front of the bed.

Welcome visitors by flanking the front door with two pots brimming with fragrant flowers, which gives your entrance an attractive look and provides an aromatic welcome.

Examine the walkway

Broken concrete on the path up to your house or cracked bricks in steps leading to your door are one of the first things that visitors will see. Repair all cracks and broken bricks, and the curb appeal of your home will immediately rise.

Wash the windows

Shiny windows that glisten in the sun give your home curbside appeal. Once visitors are in your home, clean windows also help them see outside into your attractive landscape.

Apply a fresh coat of paint

If it’s been a while since you painted your home, now may be the time to do so. A fresh coat of paint is sure to get your home noticed. Choose a pleasing color that appeals to a wide variety of tastes, rather than an unusual hue that might turn off potential buyers. You may also want to power-wash the outside if it’s been recently painted and it needs is a cleaning.

Consider window coverings

Remember that the underside of window coverings can be seen from the street, so make sure that yours look clean and appealing. Examine the window coverings from the exterior of the house to spot any staining.

Remember the seasons

You may not regularly deck your house out for every holiday, but now is the time to do so. If Thanksgiving is drawing near, make sure to feature pumpkins, scarecrows and cornucopias, and if Fourth of July is here, hang the flag in commemoration.

]]>Six Reasons to Hire a Professional to Create Your Landscape Designhttp://local.dexknows.com/six-reasons-to-hire-a-professional-to-create-your-landscape-design/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=six-reasons-to-hire-a-professional-to-create-your-landscape-design
Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:05:19 +0000http://besmartlocal.dexknows.com/?p=538The best way to ensure that your landscape is functional and attractive is to hire a landscape contractor. Consider these reasons to rely on a professional to create your ideal landscape.

Offers expert site analysis

Professional landscape contractors have the training to analyze your site with a critical eye. Where you see a grouping of plants in your backyard, a landscape contractor notes all of the little details, such as areas that slope and are likely to retain water, where retaining walls will improve drainage, and how much, if any, room you have left for additional plants.

Provides multiple design ideas

A landscape contractor has a variety of functional designs under his or her belt from which to draw inspiration. Whereas you might just see one solution to a design dilemma, a professional is likely to present you with several options that will allow you to choose how to make the best use of your outdoor space. Also, a professional will know the types of plants, trees and shrubs that will prosper in your area.

Serves as a hardscape expert

Landscape contractors are trained to design and build, which means they are well versed in building structures that you might find difficult or impossible to create, such as concrete driveways and pathways, intricate water features, patios, decks, gazebos, retaining walls and sheds.

Verifies the feasibility of the construction plans

A landscape contractor has the necessary training and licensing that allows him or her to verify whether a design that you desire is possible to implement and sustain. This prevents you from attempting landscape construction that may be detrimental to you and your home value.

Provides budget expertise

When you attempt a landscape yourself, it’s common to underestimate the cost of materials, which often leads to going over budget and may threaten completion of the project. Landscape contractors are well versed in how much materials and labor cost. They are able to determine how much the landscape design will cost you overall. Having an exact figure in mind allows you to calculate how much you can afford and plan your budget. Also, a contractor will be able to calculate for you how much it will cost to maintain the landscaping. You don’t want your investment to dry up or become ruined a couple years down the road. After you take everything into consideration, you may decide to build a project in stages.

Serves as a project manager

Coordinating the subcontractors and the various projects included in your landscape, such as hardscape and softscape, takes a lot of time and energy. It also requires special expertise to direct each subcontractor. Landscape contractors know how to instruct those working in your yard, and they can be counted on to bring in the right people for each job.

Hiring a professional landscape contractor to transform your yard allows you to create your ideal landscape in the most efficient way possible.

Seek help

Even if you’re intent on doing most of the work yourself, you should consider hiring a landscape architect to draw technical plans. Some architects will act as consultants for an inexpensive hourly wage.

Native plants are less hassle

Research which plants can survive in our climate and have less risk of disease or insect attack. For example, in a humid or tropical climate, the yellow allamanda and crane flower (a.k.a. bird of paradise) are a couple of the beautiful, easy to maintain flowers.

Invest in quality

Sure, you can find home improvement megastores that carry common plants in droves, but the selection, quality and service can be better at a local nursery. The nursery is more likely to have a variety of local plants, not to mention a knowledgeable staff.

Plan your shopping

Divide your landscaping purchases into project phases. This allows you to adjust as the landscape develops. You can save further by purchasing landscaping supplies – from plants to soil to mulch –near the end of each season, when prices typically drop.

Irrigation is key

Keep your plants alive and your water bills low by investing in proper irrigation. Installing a drip or micro sprinkler system – preferably one with a timer – for your shrubs and flowerbeds can save you from lugging a hose around the garden each weekend.

When considering home improvements that can save money and boost the value of a home, most people focus on windows, kitchens and bathrooms. But one of the most overlooked home value boosters is also one of the cheapest and easiest to do, says the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): It’s planting the right kind of trees in the right places.

Being tree-smart can save money over the life of your home and put thousands more into your pocket when you sell. “Trees can affect everything from your heating and cooling bills to your resale value,” says an NAHB report. “Over time, the trees you take time to plant now can single-handedly increase the value of your property by as much as 10-15 percent.”

Trees also produce energy and water-saving shade, habitat and food (fruits and nuts) for birds and other animals, or just a beautiful scene.

Here are some tree tips that can make you money:

Choose species that will thrive under local conditions

In areas with high temperatures and little water, plant trees that are drought tolerant. In areas with high rainfall, select trees that do best with large amounts of moisture. Planting trees that grow naturally in your area will improve your value-boosting odds. Consult a local nursery or landscape contractor for suggestions on trees that will thrive where you live.

Location, location, location

If your trees’ roots destroy your sidewalks and driveways or must later be cut down because they conflict with power lines or other property features, you’ve lost your investment. Choose spots with adequate sunlight and water. Also, guard against injury. A mesh fence can prevent animals from damaging your saplings. When selecting the perfect spot, envision what the tree will look like when grown. Your nursery or landscaper will be able to tell you the maximum width and height for most types of trees.

Practice special tree care

Trees are most vulnerable in their first few years. Newly planted trees should be watered deeply on a regular basis. Allowing a hose to drip at the base of a tree for several hours will permit the water to soak deep into the soil and encourage deep rooting. This will give the tree a better chance of surviving drought and windstorms.

Consider the climate

In areas with hot summers and cold winters it is best to plant deciduous trees. These will provide shade in the summer but will allow sunlight to pass through in colder months.